Statistical Betting Preview: Hull vs Chelsea

Hull went down 2-0 to Liverpool at Anfield last time out, with Steve Bruces’ men unable to contain one of the in-form sides in the league in a match which became somewhat about damage limitation for the home side.

Curtis Davies has been garnering a large amount of column inches this season thanks to someone excellent performances at the back for Hull. According to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index, these headlines are well-deserved, with Davies currently standing fifth in the league for total defensive contributions (blocks, clearances, interceptions, tackles won) with 245.

Hull fans will be hoping that Tom Huddlestone’s new hairstyle won’t prove to be an unlucky charm as the former Tottenham man continues to impress at the KC Stadium. No Hull player has won more tackles than his total of 52, representing a success rate of 80%.

Liam Rosenior has pulled in some impressive defensive statistics this season, but he’s been equally solid when venturing into the opponent’s half this term. He currently has the best average pass completion rate in the Hull squad, racking up one on average every 4.1 minutes he’s been on pitch.

Striker Danny Graham may not have had the most of prolific seasons so far but his shooting statistics suggest that more goals may not be far off. He currently has the best shot accuracy rate of any Hull player, hitting the target with 63.6% of his 11 attempts on goal. Graham is an industry best 9/2 to score at any time this weekend with 888sport.com.

Chelsea secured an impressive 0-3 win on the road on New Year’s Day, beating Southampton with consummate ease. The Blues are beginning to show their title credentials, with goals from Fernando Torres, Willian and Oscar completed a comfortable win against what was one of the tightest defences in the Premier League.

Ramires remains the most penalised players in the league so far this term according to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index. The Brazilian has a league-leading 37 tackles to his name, as well as 6 yellow cards.

However the Brazilian enforcer does also have the highest number of attempted tackles to his name this season with 107, his workrate and commitment proving to be invaluable assets to Jose Mourinho as he looks to rebuild a new squad.

Eden Hazard broke through an impressive personal barrier last time out, the young Belgian continuing to develop under the tutelage of Mourinho. Hazard is now only the seventh player in the league to have completed more than 600 passes in the opponent’s half (604), with these coming at an average rate of one every 2.7 minutes.

The introduction of Oscar into the fray in the second half against the Saints proved to be a masterstroke by Jose Mourinho, the youngster providing the catalyst for the Blues eventual victory. Despite only being on the pitch for a total of 37 minutes, Oscar not only registered two assists, but also managed to rack up a pass in the opponent’s half on average once every 2.9 minutes. Oscar is an industry best 11/4 with 888sport.com to get himself on the scoresheet against Hull thought and score at any time this weekend.

Data supplied by the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index. Select and manage your own team of stars at http://fantasy.premierleague.com/ or with FIFA Ultimate Team for FIFA 14